Our long-term farmlet trial investigating ways to reduce synthetic nitrogen fertiliser use on pasture-based dairy farms is coming to an end so we’re opening the gates to TIA's Dairy Research Facility, Elliott to share the findings with dairy farmers and industry stakeholders across Tasmania.

Delivered as part of the Dairy HIGH2 program and funded by Dairy Australia, this project set out to assess whether synthetic nitrogen inputs can be significantly reduced while maintaining high levels of pasture growth and milk production. Following three full lactation seasons, the trial has generated a comprehensive dataset, offering valuable insights for Tasmanian dairy systems.

During this farm walk, you will have the opportunity to see firsthand how the farmlet paddocks are performing at the end of the three-year trial. This includes paddocks managed with half the usual nitrogen inputs, as well as those that have received no nitrogen fertiliser over the duration of the trial.

We will also discuss how the paddocks are looking now, along with key observations and challenges encountered throughout the trial. These include variability in pasture composition and performance, such as patchiness, areas of high and low clover content, the presence of cocksfoot, and issues such as lucerne flea.

Our research team and farm manager will be on site to guide you through the trial outcomes and answer any questions you may have.

Agenda -

10:20 am - arrival and registration

10:30 am - outline of trial and initial results

11:00 am - farm walk

12:30 pm - sandwich lunch and Q & A with our research team and farm manager

Lunch will be provided. Please register to assist with catering and dietary requirements.

For more information, please email tia.comms@utas.edu.au

Hosted by TIA in collaboration with Dairy Australia (Tasmania) as part of the Dairy HIGH 2 program which is funded by Dairy Australia.

Contact the host of Dairy HIGH 2 in Action: post-trial farm walk at TIA's Dairy Research Facility